The Knicks and Lakers almost always find their way onto the slate, which makes sense given the size of the New York and Los Angeles media markets. The teams coming off runs to the NBA Finals typically get a Christmas invite, so hello, Boston and Dallas. The rest is a mix of stars, ratings potential, storylines and, hopefully, good teams.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and some of his Milwaukee Bucks teammates weren't thrilled to learn they have Christmas Day off this year. Antetokounmpo told

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard bring the star power that the NBA likes to showcase on its annual Christmas day schedule. But they won't be playing this Christmas. And Bucks players, including Antetokounmpo,